It’s important to block out some writing time on your busy calendar—every writer needs uninterrupted “butt-in-chair” time to focus solely on works in progress. But the experts at Writer’s Relief know that the muse’s bolts of inspiration and great ideas for your short story, essay, poetry, or book aren’t limited to occurring during your preset writing schedule. In fact, some of your best creative thoughts might occur when you are washing dishes, walking the dog, or asleep at 3 a.m.! Along with having scheduled writing time, writers also need “butt-out-of-chair” time to help generate new ideas and beat writer’s block.

Easy Ways To Boost Creativity With Butt-Out-Of-Chair Time

Get Outside And Go For A Walk

To paraphrase Tolkien, not all who wander are lost—some of us are writers looking around for fresh ideas! Walking invigorates your muscles and lets your mind wander. Whether you go for a walk around the neighborhood, stroll through the park, or take a hike in the hills, you can discover inspiration or the solution to a tricky writing problem.

Take A Nap And Recharge

Scientific studies document how important sleep is to creativity as well as physical and mental health. Einstein took naps specifically to generate ideas and solve problems! You can also use your dreams as inspiration for new work (or to add to your current project). You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to get back to writing.

Spend Time With Friends, Family, And Other Writers

Sitting alone writing for hours can feel isolating, and you may find yourself caught up in endless rewrites and doubting your results. Trying to force yourself to write through writer’s block may simply result in a blank page and frustration. Instead, get your butt out of the chair, step out of the writing bubble, and connect with supportive friends, family, and other writers. Spending time with other writers will also provide an opportunity to refine your writing skills while enriching your life.

Your interactions with friends and family might also provide unique insights—if you struggle with writing believable characters or dialogue, time spent with others can serve as inspiration!

Do Anything Else!

As long as it’s not writing, any activity (or inactivity) counts as butt-out-of-chair time! Fold laundry, meditate, take a watercolor painting class or a pickleball lesson—and don’t think about your writing at all. Shift your attention away from writing entirely and give your subconscious an opportunity to come up with answers to poetry drafts, tricky plot points, or character developments that might have you stumped.

Getting your butt out of the chair and taking a break from your writing can help prevent mental burnout and writer’s block. When you look away from your work, your mind can reset and open to new inspiration.

When you’re ready, put your butt back in the chair and start writing. Once your work is proofread, edited, and polished, it’s time for fingers-back-on-keyboard to make submissions! Our research experts can target the right markets for your work to help you spend less time sitting and researching—and we’ll boost your odds of getting an acceptance too! Learn more about our services and submit your work to our Review Board today!

Whether you want to take the traditional publishing route or are thinking about self-publishing, Writer’s Relief can help. Give us a call, and we will point you in the right direction!

Question: How do you spend your butt-out-of-chair time?